Street crews work hard to keep us safe on roadways

I’ve never seen a winter like this before. Piles of snow,
ice everywhere and temperature highs that are below zero degrees — it is one
bitter, cold winter!

When a big snowstorm hit recently, hundreds of drivers were
left stranded, in ditches and on roadsides, due to hazardous conditions.

I am so grateful for the men and women for responded to
emergency calls, as well as to all of the workers who worked 24/7 to plow snow
off of the roads.

Winter roads can be a tricky thing — salt only works at
certain temperatures. When it is below zero, chemicals and other methods are
used in an attempt to help cars gain traction and slip less.

It’s definitely a science. I am so thankful for those
pouring salt and working hard to get the state up and running again.

Even the Indiana National Guard came out to rescue stranded
drivers and help in sticky situations. It’s a service that no one should take
for granted.

As is the case with many pieces of farm equipment, snowplows
are large and take up quite a bit of space on the roads. It is important to be
patient and give them space while they are working. Passing a plow can be
dangerous and put lives in jeopardy.

When roads are treacherous and I am scared to leave the
driveway, I am thankful for the brave people who go out before me and make a
path. This way we are able to continue our daily routines.

Sure, it may be a little slower commute than normal. But it
beats driving over miles of unplowed, untreated ice and snow.

Soon the ice will melt, and before we know it, spring will
crawl back into Indiana. Until then, let’s make the most of the season and be
thankful for all that Indiana has to offer.